Ms. Pakka is a graduate of California State University, Chico where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with her Area of Concentration in Child Development.

After graduating from the Chico State Credential Program with her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Melissa jumped right into elementary teaching and started her career teaching 5th grade in Santa Rosa, California. After completing her first year of teaching grade school, Melissa taught that following summer in a preschool and absolutely fell in love with the age group! After working just one summer with preschoolers Ms. Pakka had found her true passion...Early Childhood Education!

Ms. Pakka has now been teaching in various preschools in Marin County for over 20 years and holds an Early Childhood Education Directors Permit from the State of California as well as an Elementary Teaching Credential. In fact, Melissa even worked here at Saint Raphael Preschool from 2007-2015 in the classroom with Mrs. Yates and is so thrilled to be back teaching at such a loving, fun, faith-based preschool! For Melissa, being a part of a child's first school experience is beyond special to her and she cherishes every minute of it.

Melissa lives in Novato and in her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors in nature with her chihuahua Izzy, going to concerts, exercising, and loving her 4 nephews!!